Is an Aircraft carrier underway considered an airport?

[Spyderz]

Say a naval aircraft carrier is approaching it’s home port to dock and do dock stuff, and all the aircraft have already left the boat a while ago. Does it constitute as an airport and thus stay away as one does an airport? Or then is it not considered an airport and just a ship, albeit a Naval vessel, but no longer airport status and therefore no longer a no fly zone for the range one extends an airport??? And if NOT considered then qualifying for airport status at that juncture, what specifically (US) directs whether flight near naval vessels under way and not at a naval base is prohibited or not and why? Is there a minimum distance to observe?

 

[HighTechPauper]

Hey @Spyderz, I think you'll find that any military occupied area is off limits for a number of reasons, not the least of which is it will likely end you in trouble and they could jam your drone into the water pretty easily. I sure would hate to see you try it and get nailed, unless you had permission from the Captain of the ship, and only the Captain (at all times he/she has complete authority over the ship and it's crew).

Just IMHO as an old Jar Head who has served on a ship.

 

[h-gvtrucker]

I would have thought you risk simply been 'shot' out of the sky as the crew use your drone as 'target practice'

 

[jeffames226]

Say a naval aircraft carrier is approaching it’s home port to dock and do dock stuff, and all the aircraft have already left the boat a while ago. Does it constitute as an airport and thus stay away as one does an airport? Or then is it not considered an airport and just a ship, albeit a Naval vessel, but no longer airport status and therefore no longer a no fly zone for the range one extends an airport??? And if NOT considered then qualifying for airport status at that juncture, what specifically (US) directs whether flight near naval vessels under way and not at a naval base is prohibited or not and why? Is there a minimum distance to observe?

I'm assuming you are just trying to mess with us........?

 

[Neon Euc]

Even if all planes are gone from the ship.... How would you know if one is on it's way back to land? Any drone heading towards an army base, ship, etc... Is considered a terrorist threat. Not only will the drone get shot out the sky but a marksman on the ship will likely see you as a threat and pull the trigger.

 

[anotherlab]

Say a naval aircraft carrier is approaching it’s home port to dock and do dock stuff, and all the aircraft have already left the boat a while ago. Does it constitute as an airport and thus stay away as one does an airport? Or then is it not considered an airport and just a ship, albeit a Naval vessel, but no longer airport status and therefore no longer a no fly zone for the range one extends an airport??? And if NOT considered then qualifying for airport status at that juncture, what specifically (US) directs whether flight near naval vessels under way and not at a naval base is prohibited or not and why? Is there a minimum distance to observe?

If the carrier's home dock is at a US naval base, then you are already banned from flying near it and they have orders that allow them to shoot down drones. As others have already pointed out in this thread, flying near a naval vessel without permission would not be a smart move. If the carrier was docked and allowing tours, then you could ask permission to fly from a safe distance. At worst, the permission would be denied.

If you really want to fly near an aircraft carrier, there are a number of decommissioned carriers that are floating museums. You might be able to get permission to fly around one of them. The Wikipedia entry for the list of carriers in the US Navy includes the decommissioned carriers and their current location.

 

[Spyderz]

If the carrier's home dock is at a US naval base, then you are already banned from flying near it and they have orders that allow them to shoot down drones. As others have already pointed out in this thread, flying near a naval vessel without permission would not be a smart move. If the carrier was docked and allowing tours, then you could ask permission to fly from a safe distance. At worst, the permission would be denied.

If you really want to fly near an aircraft carrier, there are a number of decommissioned carriers that are floating museums. You might be able to get permission to fly around one of them. The Wikipedia entry for the list of carriers in the US Navy includes the decommissioned carriers and their current location.

I’m familiar with the base itself being a no fly zone, they are pretty well indicated on charts. But say ten miles from the base in shipping lanes in a major bay also being trafficked by merchant marine and fishing vessels certainly doesn’t fall under that blanket protection of the base. Bottom line tho, can anyone cite any actual reference of federal statute or regulation that says it is illegal to fly near a naval vessel underway, and how near is too close? A thousand feet? A half mile? A whole mile? Five? Asking so I can keep from getting too close and in trouble.

 

[anotherlab]

I’m familiar with the base itself being a no fly zone, they are pretty well indicated on charts. But say ten miles from the base in shipping lanes in a major bay also being trafficked by merchant marine and fishing vessels certainly doesn’t fall under that blanket protection of the base. Bottom line tho, can anyone cite any actual reference of federal statute or regulation that says it is illegal to fly near a naval vessel underway, and how near is too close? A thousand feet? A half mile? A whole mile? Five? Asking so I can keep from getting too close and in trouble.

If you are trying to avoid trouble then the distances that you are quoting would take you beyond the line of sight. So you would have that. While there is no statute that addresses drones with regards to naval vessels, there is Federal laws on the books for the Naval Vessel Protection Zone. That defines a 100 yard zone around naval vessels that civilian water craft must stay out of.

From Professional Mariner:

No vessel or person may approach within 100 yards of the naval vessel unless authorized by the Coast Guard or the naval vessel. Large naval vessels and their security escorts are authorized to employ force, including deadly force, to protect these vessels. Violation of a NVPZ is a felony offense punishable by up to 6 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

While it doesn't apply to drones, I could see a commanding officer on the ship interpreting the NVPZ to include the drones.

 

[Spyderz]

If you are trying to avoid trouble then the distances that you are quoting would take you beyond the line of sight. So you would have that. While there is no statute that addresses drones with regards to naval vessels, there is Federal laws on the books for the Naval Vessel Protection Zone. That defines a 100 yard zone around naval vessels that civilian water craft must stay out of.

From Professional Mariner:


While it doesn't apply to drones, I could see a commanding officer on the ship interpreting the NVPZ to include the drones.

Awesomeness, thanks! I would agree it would at the very least pertain to UAV’s as well, if even more particularly because they are more nimble, maneuverable, and generally faster than most other surface vessels.

 

[anotherlab]

Awesomeness, thanks! I would agree it would at the very least pertain to UAV’s as well, if even more particularly because they are more nimble, maneuverable, and generally faster than most other surface vessels.

The actual statute is aimed at watercraft, but does not does not exclude aircraft. They could down your drone and trace it back to you. If you were 500 yards out, they would probably ignore you, but I wouldn't go any closer without permission.